After a divorce, adjusting to single life can be hard. It becomes even more difficult when kids are involved. Kids can find it hard to adjust since they will have to move between both parents’ houses. And they can easily become pawns for both parents to use to get back at each other, especially if the marriage ends badly. This is why it is important to have legally backed ground rules for how things will play out after the divorce. Things like where the children will be living and what time the non-custodial parent will be visiting need to be stated clearly. Unfortunately, circumstances can change, and one party may need rules to be adjusted for their sake. One such situation is if the noncustodial parent changes location but still wants to keep seeing their kid.
Suppose you are a father who lives in another state from where your children are, and you are finding it difficult to maintain a relationship with them, perhaps because their mother is preventing any form of electronic communication. Then you should consider speaking with a dads’ rights lawyer at Jensen Family Law. They can advise you on what steps to take to set up visitation or other forms of communication from a distance. They can help you ask the court to grant you a visitation order, which will allow you to keep a close and warm relationship with your children.
Visitation Tips For Parents Who Don’t Live In The Same State As Their Children
While frequent, unrestricted visits with your kids would be ideal, other options are available if you live in a different state from where the custodial parent is based.
Video or Voice Call
After consulting with your attorneys, you and your ex may agree on virtual visitation with your children. The custodial parent is responsible for arranging online visits using video chat software like Skype or FaceTime.
This may not seem like an ideal parenting style, but it would create a bond with you and your children if you do it regularly.
Scheduled Visits
You may be able to visit your child even if you no longer live in the same state they do. The custody hearing is the best time to have this discussion.
Many courts will issue a detailed visitation schedule outlining the non-custodial parent’s visitation rights in great detail. You can spend time with your kids through a visitation arrangement.
These visits could be during the summer holidays, Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. You could even rent a house in the state they live in when you are on paid leave to get closer to your children. Remember to discuss whatever you plan with your lawyer and the custodial parent.
Utilize Your Visits And Stick To A Schedule
You should fully use the time you have together on such special days. Don’t make them feel obligated to answer your inquiries or respond to your comments about the other parent. Focus on your child and soak up as many of these golden moments as possible.
However, don’t ignore your schedule. Keep some sort of daily routine, as children thrive on routine. Set a time for when they should be in bed and when they should be helping out around the house. But if you all pitch in, you can make it a fun family project.
For instance, have your kid help you with yard labor while you relax with takeout afterward. Another option is to prepare a meal together in the kitchen. If you want to boost your child’s confidence and teach them valuable skills, get them involved in these activities.
Make New Traditions
It’s a good idea to start some new traditions while also continuing to observe some of your old favorites. If your kid will be spending the holidays with you, it’s a good idea to get their input on what they want to do while there.
It is possible that they’ve been trying to go to a concert for a while now, but their custodian parents don’t have time for it. You can take them to the concert and make it a part of your tradition. You can also introduce old family customs, such as baking your Grandma’s potato latkes or stowing a Christmas pickle in the tree.
Whether or not you live in a different state from your child, you are still their father, which gives you the right to visit them. If you’re having trouble getting to see your kids, speak to an experienced attorney.
